The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Special to The Laker/Lutz News

Honoring this public servant’s service

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From left: Commissioner Curtis Dwyer; Commissioner Donna DeWitt, O.S.B.; Mayor Richard Christmas; Mayor Pro Tem James Hallett, O.S.B.; and Commissioner Mike D’Ambrosio. (Courtesy of Andrea Calvert)

Mayor Richard Christmas was honored during the April 12 St. Leo Town Commission meeting. He received a proclamation and a plaque, commemorating his 27 years of service on the Town Commission, including 13 as mayor. He did not seek reelection this year.

During his tenure, St. Leo underwent many projects and improvements, including the expansion of Saint Leo University, relocation of Holy Name Monastery, revision of the Land Development Code and Comprehensive Plan, development and contraction of the portion of Lake Jovita subdivision that was in the Town, and improvement of streets throughout St. Leo, according to information provided by the town.

The countywide Penny for Pasco initiative also was implemented, as was the Municipal Association of Pasco.

(Courtesy of the City of Dade City)

Going out on a high note
Before the Dade City Commission meeting began on April 12, Mayor Camille Hernandez was honored for 16 years of service to the community. Hernandez is retiring from her position as mayor, effective April 26. She was a commissioner for six years and then served as mayor for 10. From left: Commissioner Normita ‘Angel’ Woodard, Hernandez, Commissioner Knute Nathe, Commissioner and Mayor Pro Tem James Shive and Commissioner Scott Black.

Published April 20, 2022

Commercial growth popping up in Pasco

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Brick-and-mortar projects are rising rapidly, expanding Pasco County’s booming growth.

Construction crews are building shops, restaurants, Class A offices, gas and convenience stores, and car washes — on sites with “Coming Soon” signs.

Carrabba’s Italian Grill is under construction at the Cypress Creek Town Center, off Sierra Center Boulevard, next to Bonefish Grill. (Kathy Steele)

The county’s major commercial corridors – State Road 54 and State Road 56 – remain the epicenters of a construction juggernaut.

But Land O’ Lakes Boulevard, also known as U.S. 41, is an emerging source of expanded commercial and retail development.

Workers in hard hats and construction equipment engaged in projects are common sights on primary corridors in Pasco County.

Beginning on State Road 56, east of Interstate 75, options at The Shops at Wiregrass are expanding, or have expanded, to include Body Details; Crazy Sushi; Leonidas; and The Living Room.

New arrivals nearby include the Fairfield Inn & Suites, and Morningstar Storage.

On the west side of I-75, on State Road 56, new businesses are opening at Tampa Premium Outlets and Cypress Creek Town Center.

Zaxby’s opened in September on an outparcel on the south side of State Road 56, as part of the Cypress Creek Town Center. A Chicken Salad Chick restaurant is expected to open in a shell building under construction next door.

Tampa Premium Outlets, on the south side of the state highway, is adding Zumiez, according to the outlet’s website. The store features “cutting-edge” clothing, shoes, accessories and brand names for skateboarding, snowboarding and surfing.

Zaxby’s fast-food chicken restaurant opened in September on an outparcel of the Cypress Creek Town Center expansion, also on the south side of State Road 56, between Wesley Chapel Boulevard and Sun Vista Drive. Chicken Salad Chick is expected to occupy space in a new building under construction next to Zaxby’s, according to county permits.

On the north side of State Road 56, a Carrabba’s Italian Grill is under construction, next to Bonefish Grill in the Cypress Creek Town Center.

El Dorado is a 70,000-square-foot furniture store that will showcase as many as 20 storefronts offering furniture choices from contemporary to traditional. It is being built in front of Brighthouse Crossings apartments, near the Cypress Creek Town Center and Tampa Premium Outlets. A June opening is anticipated.

Also, a January 2023 opening is expected for the 300-unit, four-story Silversaw apartment homes, on Garden Village Way, off the town center’s Sierra Center Boulevard. Work also continues for the 260-unit Garrett Apartments at Cypress Creek Town Center..

Heading toward Land O’ Lakes, the Avila Living apartment complex is rising at State Road 54 and Oak Grove Boulevard. Brick-and-mortar also is visible now at EOS Fitness.

U.S. 41, heading west from State Road 54, has had activity in recent months, too.

Circle K and 7-Eleven opened new gas stations and convenience stores on the federal highway, which locally is known as Land O’ Lakes Boulevard.

The Circle K replaced a demolished older strip mall at the intersection of U.S. 41 and Hale Road. The 7-Eleven and a Radiant car wash filled out a vacant corner at the Bell Lake Road intersection.

Land O’ Lake residents are eagerly awaiting the opening of Stonewater Grill, which fronts Bell Lake.

Stonewater Grill is a waterfront restaurant that is expected to open on Land O’ Lakes Boulevard in early May. The restaurant will offer a range of menu options, craft beers and cocktails, a wine room, and an outdoor bar with patio dining.

In its previous renditions, the restaurant operated as Rapscallions, was rumored to be a future Hooter’s location that never came to fruition, and then served customers as Mosquito Grill and Bar, before closing and falling into disrepair.

Years ago, county officials moved to demolish the vacant and dilapidated structure.

But co-owners Dominic Difante and Scott Harris saw potential and now plan to open Stonewater Grill in early May.

They tore down most of the old structure and replaced it with a modern, stone-infused restaurant that will offer what Difante describes as an “elevated casual” dining experience.

The menu will include burgers, wings, tuna, steaks, chicken, and other options to please all tastes, Difante said.

There also will be patio dining with a bar, a wine room, a large event room with a bar, and an outdoor lounge area. He hopes to see customers dining, watching sports on large screen television, and returning two to three times a week, he added.

He hopes in the future to build a 75-foot dock, also suitable for outdoor dining.

“It’s a good area, a visible area,” Difante said. “I’m glad to be here.”

Projects galore on State Road 54
On State Road 54, moving west of the U.S. 41 intersection, an array of shops, restaurants, Class A offices and new apartments are transforming former pastureland.

The Shops at Ballantrae and the Cypress Ranch residential and commercial development especially are busy.

The Hub at Bexley is a new shopping and activity center at Bexley by Newland master-planned community, off State Road 54. Several shops and restaurants are scheduled to open by the end of 2022.

At Ballantrae, on Aprile Drive, the 54 Crossings Professional Center is under construction. The Class A office project includes two 60,000-square-foot office buildings. It will offer luxury flexible office space, lush landscaping, bicycle racks, a pavilion and walking trails, according to its website.

A shell building is under construction, also on Aprile, that will include a Five Guys restaurant and Trulieve, a medical marijuana store, according to county permits.

Opposite Ballantrae, Cypress Ranch is adding apartments and retail. Aldi’s grocery store, on Skybrooke Road, and Panda Express, on Harpers Run, are under construction. County permits also show work underway for EOS Fitness, Pacific Dental Services, The Learning Experience, and Chick-fil-A.

Next to a new Circle K gas and convenience store, Burger King is serving burgers and Woodie’s Car Wash is cleaning cars.

4 & Co. is a luxury business center and co-working space under construction on Bexley Village Drive in Bexley by Newland master-planned community.

Further west toward the Suncoast Parkway, The Hub at Bexley, off Bexley Village Drive, plans to open by the end of 2022. Its website lists future tenants for what is promised as a community gathering center, where residents can “come, stay and play.”

Among future tenants are Amazing Lashes; Bubbakoo’s Burritos; Checkmate Escape Rooms; Downright Deli & Donuts; Dr. Bawany dental office; Duckweed Liquors; Headlines Barbers; Haute Nails and Spa; P-Fit Fitness; Revolution Ice Cream; and The Poke Company.

Off Bexley Village Drive and Early Riser Drive, 4 & Co. Is planned for a summer 2022 opening. The company will offer about 35,000 square feet of Class A offices and co-workspaces. Amenities include a gym, yoga studio, sauna, a treatment room for acupuncture, and conference rooms.

The Springhill Suites by Marriott, also on Bexley Village Drive, is checking in guests.

In Odessa, commercial development at Starkey Ranch is expanding.

A new retail center – Shoppes at Starkey Crossings – is scheduled for an early 2023 opening on the north side of State Road 54 and Gunn Highway, opposite the Starkey Ranch Town Square, anchored by Publix. Details on tenants are not announced, but the shopping center will have 20,000 square feet of leasable space, including a drive-thru window at one end.

Stay tuned. There’s more to come in Pasco, soon.

By Kathy Steele

Published April 20, 2022

Traffic alert released for County Line Road

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A Pasco County news release issued April 15 alerts drivers that a part of County Line Road, just east of Northwood Palms Boulevard, will be reduced to one lane of traffic on April 18 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Crews will need to close part of the road to perform work on the County Line Road Multi-Use Trail project.

Details, according to the release:

  • Closure is set to begin Monday at 9 a.m. and wrap up by 3 p.m., barring any weather delays
  • Message boards and signs will direct drivers
  • Flaggers will provide traffic control

To see a map of the affected area, visit bit.ly/3OnShcC.

Cone & Graham Inc., is the contractor for this Pasco County Engineering Services project.

Beer and burgers were the stars at this fest

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The festival-goers came from as close as Land O’ Lakes, and from as far away as Jacksonville, to attend the second annual Pasco County Burger & Beer Festival.

They had a common goal: To sample all sorts of brews and to enjoy burgers at the event held at Land O’ Lakes Heritage Park.

Besides being able to taste a wide selection, they also were able to vote on their favorite beer.

William Rivera, of Zephyrhills, had the perfect shirt for the occasion — it said “This Guy Needs a Beer.” He was there with his wife, Michelle, to enjoy the day.

Sylvia Browe, of Jacksonville, traveled to Land O’ Lakes specifically to attend the festival. She and her friends were having fun dancing in front of the stage, as the music played.

Published April 13, 2022

From left: Laura and Mark Walsh, of Wesley Chapel; Rebecca Peterson, of Spring Hill; and, Alyssa Mascolo, of Land O’ Lakes, visited the sampling table of In The Loop Brewing, one of the brewers featured at the second annual Pasco County Beer & Burger Festival. Laine Seals, of Wesley Chapel, manned the tap. (Fred Bellet)
Eighteen-month-old Ayden Cooprider will have to wait until the 20th annual Pasco County Beer & Burger Festival before she’s able to sample the beverages. But the little girl had plenty to see at the festival, accompanied by her mom, Sawyer, and Brett Martinez, of Land O’ Lakes.
Michael Cucuzzo, of Land O’ Lakes, is torn between the dark beer and light beer, but managed to taste one at a time prior to voting for his favorite brew. He was there with Nellie Singh, of Clermont, and Melissa Logan, of Land O’ Lakes.
Gary Woodring, a Lutz resident, chomps into a bacon cheeseburger from the Bacon Boss food truck. Woodring, his wife Denise, his mother-in-law Regina Kersten of Lutz, and friends attended the beer and burgers event. 
Patience was a virtue for those waiting for hamburgers at the second annual Pasco County Beer & Burger Festival, at Land O’ Lakes Heritage Park. Front, 8-year-old Jameson McAuley; his sister, 6-year-old Carrington; and mom and dad, Tom and Tiffany, didn’t mind the wait. Older siblings, 11-year-old Juliet and 13-year-old Braden also waited patiently for the line to move.
Tony Mozz plays guitar, as festival-goers listen from the lawn.
Shane Ryan, a vocalist for the New Port Richey-based Providence Band, was among the entertainers performing at the festival. Many festival-goers not only enjoyed listening to the music, but dancing to it, too.
The shirt said it all, and William Rivera, of Zephyrhills, had a choice of beers from 12 different brewers at the second annual Beer & Burger Festival at Land O’ Lakes Heritage Park. Rivera was there with his wife, Michelle. The couple voted for Leap Gate as their favorite beer.

 

It’s Easter season, a popular time for eggs

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It’s that time of year when eggs take center stage, so it seems timely to talk about both eggs and egg replacements, for those looking to find out more about those.

Here are a few fun facts.

They look similar to eggs, but chickpea flour omelets have more of an earthy flavor. (Courtesy of Shari Bresin)

Shell and yolk color
You probably know that eggshells come in different shades of white and brown, but did you know they also come in different shades of blue?

Also, did you know that the color and size of eggs are determined by the breed of the hen?

Have you ever heard that there is no difference in nutritional quality between eggs with different eggshell colors? Some people incorrectly assume that brown eggs are healthier.

Brown eggs are typically pricier. That’s because the hens that lay them are larger and require more feed.

Yolk color varies, too.

The color is determined by the hen’s feed. If the hen’s diet is heavy in green plants, yellow corn, alfalfa, or other plant material with a yellow-orange hue, the yolk will be a darker yellow-orange.

Hens feeding primarily on wheat and barley will have a pale-yellow yolk. And, hens feeding on cornmeal will produce eggs with yolks having hardly any color at all, according to Food and Nutrition Magazine.

Also, just like the eggshell color, the color of the yolk doesn’t indicate the nutritional value.

Egg replacement
There may be times when you need to find an egg replacement.

Maybe you have special dietary needs, you’re trying to avoid using eggs in a recipe, or you simply ran out of eggs.

Here’s a list of ingredients — compiled by the University of Wyoming Extension — that you can use to substitute for one egg.

If the egg acts as a leavening agent, you can use any one of these bulleted items:

  • ¼ cup carbonated water
  • 2 Tablespoons of water, 1 Tablespoon of oil, and 2 teaspoons of baking powder
  • 1 Tablespoon vinegar and 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 2 Tablespoons lemon juice and 1 teaspoon baking soda

If the egg acts as a binder, try any of these:

  • 3 Tablespoons nut or seed butter
  • 2 Tablespoons mashed potato or sweet potato
  • 2 Tablespoons tomato paste
  • 2 Tablespoons start and 3 Tablespoons water
  • 1 Tablespoon soy protein powder and 3 Tablespoons water

If the egg is used for moisture, use any one of these:

  • ¼ cup unsweetened applesauce or fruit puree
  • ¼ cup mashed banana or avocado
  • ¼ cup buttermilk or milk
  • ¼ cup sweetened condensed milk
  • ¼ cup yogurt

Of course, you need to use substitutes that will complement the dish, such as fruit in baked dishes.

If you’re not sure about the egg’s main role, you can assume the eggs serve all three purposes and you can choose a substitute or a combination of all three.

If the recipe requires three or more eggs, assume that it does all three.

Additionally, there are plant-based egg replacements for breakfast scrambles or for baking.

While regular eggs are considered an affordable source of protein, these egg replacements can be pricey upfront — though they do last longer and yield more servings per container.

Now, for a word on hard boiling eggs
Older eggs make for better hardboiled eggs than fresher, simply because they are easier to peel.

As eggs get older, the egg white shrinks somewhat, creating more air space that makes it easier to peel.

How do you know if an egg is considered older?

Use the float test: place the egg in a clear glass with cold water.

If they float, that means they are older because of that increased air cell from the shrinking egg white.

Note: This is just a test for freshness. It will not tell you if an egg has gone bad.

Eggs are safe three weeks to five weeks after purchase, provided that you bought them before the sell-by date.

Eggs that are at least seven to 10 days old are best for boiling.

Once hard boiled, they should be eaten within one week.

Yolks are a good source for Vitamin D
A large fried egg has a little over 1 microgram (mcg) of Vitamin D, or about 5% of the daily value you need in a day.

On average, adults from ages 19 to 70 need 15 mcg per day; those age 71 and older need 20 mcg per day.

If you’re high risk of a Vitamin D deficiency —such as those on certain medications, older adults, those with darker skin tones, and those who are obese, among others — you may even need more. Check with your doctor.

Vitamin D deficiency is very common in the United States, despite Vitamin D being available through exposure to the sun. About 42% of the American adult population is deficient in Vitamin D.

It’s important to remember that while plant-based eggs are low in cholesterol, there won’t have much, if any, Vitamin D.

By Shari Bresin

Shari Bresin is the Family & Consumer Science Agent for the University of Florida/Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences Cooperative Extension Pasco County.

Recipe
Entertaining guests who can’t consume eggs? Here’s an egg-free omelet recipe for you.

Chickpea flour omelet

Ingredients
¾ cup chickpea flour
¾ cup water
2 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
¼ teaspoon turmeric powder
¼ teaspoon garlic powder
¼ teaspoon onion powder
¼ teaspoon baking soda
Salt and pepper to taste
Desired toppings, such as spinach, mushroom, tomato, onion, etc.

Instructions:
Mix all ingredients in a bowl.
Add oil to the pan and add mixture, cover with lid.
Cook until golden brown on the bottom.
Put desired toppings (sauteed separately) on half of the mixture, fold over, then turn off heat for a few minutes, and leave the lid on the pan.

Published April 13, 2022

Avalon Applauds Sunrise of Pasco County

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Congratulations to Sunrise of Pasco County (Sunrise), a certified domestic and sexual violence program, for being applauded by Avalon Park Wesley Chapel.

April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month and Sunrise hopes to shed light on the fact that sexual violence does exist, and survivors are out there.

“It’s really easy for people to say ‘Oh, this doesn’t happen in my community,’ and we certainly understand that it does,” says Catt Raley, director of Sexual Assault Services.

“Domestic and sexual violence are issues that touch each and everyone’s life, whether it happens to us or someone we know.”

One way the nonprofit is bringing awareness is by raising funds for its month-long event, “Dollars for Denim.”

April 27 is “Denim Day,” an international event to combat victim blaming and educate others about sexual violence. Traditionally, participants donate $5 through their employers and wear denim at work. Sunrise will be raising funds virtually throughout the month via its website (SunrisePasco.org/donation).

“A lot of folks don’t know they experienced, or are experiencing, violence,” says Raley.

“It could be something that unfortunately happened to them across their lifespan, and to them, it’s normal, especially for folks who’ve experienced childhood sexual abuse.”

Raley says the goal of Sunrise is to show these people that these actions aren’t normal.

She suggests people reflect and ask themselves, “Have there been times in my past or current relationships where folks are making me do anything against my will?”

Sunrise stresses the importance of consent, which the nonprofit defines as “active, willing and consistent.” Raley says consent can be revoked at any time.

“If you are actively or being forced to use a substance, that does not equal consent. People who are incapacitated, or asleep, that’s not consent either,” says Raley.

Sunrise offers an emergency, confidential shelter for survivors of intimate partner violence, sexual assault, and/or human trafficking. The shelter has a capacity for 40 women and children, but Sunrise of Pasco County also has services for male survivors.

Sunrise provides free counseling, advocacy, and support services to survivors of domestic and sexual violence, as well as family or friends that have been impacted by violence through its Outreach Program.

For more information on Sunrise of Pasco County, and how to offer support or to donate, go to SunrisePasco.org, or call 352-521-3358. To access its 24-hour confidential hotline, call 352-521-3120.

True blue support

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(Courtesy of the City of Tampa)

The City of Tampa, including Old City Hall, the Tampa Riverwalk and downtown bridges on April 2 were lit up blue, at sunset, for World Autism Awareness Day. Tampa was the first Florida city to be designated as autism-friendly.

Some basics, to protect yourself from scams

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It seems like every time you turn around, someone you know is being scammed, or being targeted as a potential victim.

Here’s a list, compiled by The Better Business Bureau, to help you to avoid being scammed:

  • When someone you have not met asks you to send them money, especially by wire transfer, prepaid debit card or gift card, don’t do it.
  • Never click on links or attachments in unsolicited emails or texts. That’s how crooks put malware on your devices.
  • Don’t trust the legitimacy of something by its looks. Emails and websites are easy to fake with copied logos and graphics.
  • Don’t trust your Caller ID. It can be faked to read any way a crook wants it to read.
  • Buy online only from legitimate sources with a website address that has the “s” in “https.” Look for the lock icon in the address bar as well.
  • Look up any company you’re unfamiliar with at BBB.org.
  • Treat your personal identification information like gold. Don’t give it away to anyone who contacts you out of the blue. Your banking, Social Security and insurance numbers should be closely guarded.
  • Anyone pressuring you to act quickly could be a scammer who doesn’t want you to have time to seriously consider the “offer.”
  • Get details in writing and read them thoroughly.
  • Don’t overshare on social media. Con artists can collect your information from such sources and use it to make you think they know you.
  • Keep your travel plans to yourself and only share them after the fact.
  • Shred junk mail, old documents, bills and medical paperwork.
  • Monitor your accounts and check out any unknown transaction, even for tiny amounts (crooks start with small amounts to see if you pay attention).
  • Use strong passwords and keep software and virus protections updated constantly.

Check out the Better Business Bureau’s articles on phishing scams, tech support scams and Social Security scams.

Scammers never quit, but they can be thwarted by staying on top of the latest tips and news from organizations that monitor them, such as the Better Business Bureau and the Federal Trade Commission.

Go to BBB.org, to look up online marketplace business profiles, file a complaint, or write a customer review. Visit the BBB Scam Tracker, to research and report scams.

Avoid ransom scams
The Pasco County Sheriff’s Office shares this tip to help people avoid becoming victim of an economic scam that is known as a ransom scam.

In this crime, the scammer will call the victim and claim to be holding a member of the victim’s family captive.

The scammer instructs the victim to transfer ransom money into the scammer’s bank account or the victim’s family member will be harmed.

The scammers use tactics to convince the victim their loved one is a hostage, such as using screams and cries in the call.

In its posting, the Pasco Sheriff’s Office advises those who receive such a call should hang up the phone and then call your relative to verify his or her safety.

Published April 06, 2022

Gas-saving tips for boaters

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Motorists who hit the road aren’t the only ones who have to contend with high gas prices, boaters do, too.

To help boaters make the most of their fuel, the Boat Owners Association of the United States (BoatUs) has compiled some tips, which the organization shared in a news release.

Here’s a condensed list of those suggestions:

  • Tune your engine to get the best efficiency.
  • Match the propeller to the kind of boat you have and how you use it. Ask the pros at the propeller shop for advice and experiment with different models. Be sure to keep your propeller clean and in good repair. Be sure your hull is clean, too.
  • Keep track of your fuel flow. A fuel-flow meter can show you in real time how many gallons your engine is burning per hour, allowing you to dial in the most efficient speed for your boat.
  • Keep in mind that newer engines tend to be slightly more efficient than older models. Options also have increased for electric and hybrid propulsion.
  • Don’t carry extra stuff on your boat. Additional weight means more drag.
  • Lighten your tanks: Don’t run with a full freshwater or fuel tank unless you absolutely need it.
  • Avoid excess idling. Modern engines are fuel injected, so are ready to a minute or two after being started.
  • Distribute the load onboard to help your boat run most efficiently. Be sure your boat is not leaning too far to one side or the other. (You may need to rearrange your passengers.)
  • Remember that most recreational boats run most efficiently when they’re on plane, so once you’re out of the no-wake zone, safely get on plane, as soon as you can.
  • Watch your wake: One sign you’re blowing gas is the size of your wake. While sometimes you have no option, slowing down to no-wake speed saves fuel. It’s a matter of plowing a wall of water rather than efficiently slipping over or through it.
  • Slow down: In addition to conserving on gas, it’s safer.
  • Reduce wind drag: A canvas or bimini top is great for protection from the sun, but you can improve fuel efficiency while underway by taking it down if you can.
  • Navigate smartly: The ultimate trick to saving fuel, of course, is running your engine less. Travel to closer destinations or drop anchor somewhere nearer to home to enjoy your fun afternoon on the water. If possible, take the shorter route and route trips in sync with currents and tide, and try to avoid a lot of banging into head seas.
  • Share your angling outings by “buddy boating.”Head out this weekend by inviting the guy in the slip next to you, and then rotate on the next weekend’s angling outing. This fuel-saving technique is especially popular with anglers who fish canyons far offshore. Of course, this also improves your social aspects of fishing life as well.

Published April 06, 2022

Taking a ride with the mayor through Dade City

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Mayor Camille Hernandez and representatives from the City of Dade City joined in a 2½-mile casual bicycle ride through the city on March 25 to promote bicycling and pedestrian safety. The event was hosted by Bike/Walk Tampa Bay, a regional coalition of professionals, advocates, and residents committed to making walking and bicycling safe. The organization was there to pass out shirts and promote roadway safety. The ride started at The Spoke, the visitor’s center on Church Street, and cyclists traveled on the Hardy Trail and Seventh Avenue. Dozens of riders joined in, as did some members of the Dade City Police Department. To learn how to become an ambassador for Bike/Walk Tampa Bay, log onto www.bikewalktampabay.org.

(Courtesy of Jennifer Cannizzo)